I have been a printmaker for 35 years, and although I have worked in all the variations of printmaking, it is basic etching that I continue to focus on. It is the medium that seems to fall most naturally into my hands. I have a portfolio of over 100 etchings; they represent a wide range of interests. The subjects I have chosen for all my artworks, which includes colored pencil drawings and mixed media, have always been quite varied.
In creating an etching, the next print may be a scene that interests me, or a subject I find to be visually unusual. My prints might make a subtle commentary or portray a familiar landscape. Quite often an idea for an image just comes to my mind unexpectedly. Rather than ‘rein in’ all these ideas, I tend to trust my instincts, grab that latest idea and decide how I will proceed to make it into a print. A strong idea usually translates into a successful image.
Moving these subjects from an idea all the way to actual printing is a relatively direct process for me. I might draw the image directly on a plate with very little pre-planning or sketching. But, if the idea lends itself to a more complicated process, more planning will come first. The resulting final print might still be a long exploratory process, with unexpected problems to solve. It is a medium that requires a relaxed and receptive patience......and I guess that is a quality that I unknowingly posess.
Over the past few years, I have been exploring other related processes to create more complex prints. I try to remain loosely structured in my approach to printmaking, because the technical skills required could easily overwhelm the spontaneity we all want to have in creating art.
The University of Wisconsin -Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
B.F.A. in Printmaking
Summer 2006:
Chosen for participation in the international public art phenomenon~ The Cow Parade
~~Designed and painted one of the famous fiberglass cows for the Wisconsin event held in Madison.
Summer 2007:
Chosen to participate in The Lion King Extravaganza in Appleton, Wisconsin
~~ Designed and painted 2 fiberglass lions.
Exhibited in many national, regional and area exhibits .
Selected for inclusion in many nationwide juried printmaking exhibits .
Professional Framer 30 yrs
